What exactly does the term diabetic foot mean ?
Diabetic foot does not mean the foot of a person with Diabetes. It is the term used to denote the insensitive foot (feet) of a diabetic person whose nerves have been affected and sensations blunted or absent (Neuropathy).The full term for this is Diabetic Neuropathic Foot. The sensations of touch,pain,heat or cold are not felt easily or even totally absent (in advanced cases) in their feet ; in very advanced cases joint sense is also blunted and the foot becomes twisted and distorted (called CHARCOT’S CHANGES).
“Diabetic Foot” does not mean the foot of a person with Diabetes! It is the term used to denote the insensitive foot (feet) of a diabetic person whose nerves have been affected, and sensations blunted or abolished (Neuropathy). The full term for this is “Diabetic Neuropathic Foot.” The sensations of touch, pain, heat or cold are not felt easily in the foot or even totally absent in advanced cases; in very advanced cases joint sense is also blunted and the foot becomes twisted and distorted (called CHARCOT’S FOOT). The diabetic foot is at high risk for injury / infection which may lead to amputation if not attended to in the early stages, appropriately. Diabetic Foot injuries and infections are largely preventable.
